U18 vs Shropshire Warriors away 1.12.12

Top of the Table and still unbeaten after 8 games Wolves U18’s travelled to Shropshire full of confidence and hoping to extend their incredible start to the season. Shropshire themselves had only been beaten once and knew their games with Wolves were always close encounters and therefore a win was a real possibility.

Sam Broughton scored the opening basket for Wolves but after a couple of minutes Shropshire had scored a couple of baskets without reply and took the lead 4-2. Wolves were finding it difficult to penetrate the Warriors zone defence and quickly resorted to long range 3 point shooting, unfortunately the Wolves were unable to find their range and Warriors opened up a 13-8 lead midway through the first period. On six minutes Ash Dickson hit his first 3 of the game quickly followed by the same score from Jamie Summers and although Warriors were also successful from downtown the lead had reduced to 16-14. A timeout by Warriors gave them fresh impetus and with it they opened up a six point advantage. A change of personnel for Wolves saw Tom Cox replace Jamie Summers and Dave Nash come on for Mike Arlott. A late basket from Nash ended the 1st quarter with Warriors playing the better basketball and leading 20-16.

The second quarter really belonged to Warriors and for the first time this season Wolves were staring at defeat. A long 3 from Dickson, his second of five he would hit during the match was the only real highlight as the Warriors defence and Wolves reluctance to drive to basket saw the home team extend their lead to nine points at 35-26. Wolves stats at half time were disappointing in what was a fairly fast moving game with very few fouls being committed. Wolves only 3 from 11 three point attempts, 1 from 3 from the charity stripe and completely outplayed on rebounds at both ends of the court much to the frustration of the travelling away support.

The second half began at a frantic pace, baskets from Nash, Summers, Broughton and another 3 from Dickson had seen Wolves reduce the gap and with just 2 minutes played the score was now 39-37 to Warriors. During the next few minutes Warriors outscored Wolves by 7-2 as the long range shooting continued to fall short. A time out by Wolves with 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter remaining was to prove the turning point of the game. A quick basket from Nash was immediately followed by another basket for Dylan Richardson as he stole the ball under his own basket before running the length of the court and successfully making his lay-up. Another basket from Nash reduced the gap to 1 point and had the crowd on their feet. A two point basket to Warriors extended the lead to 3 points before Dickson made a three to tie the game. A time out was called by Warriors in an attempt to stop the Wolves improving offence but it was Wolves that came out the stronger and a long range two from Richardson gave Wolves the lead for the first time since the first minute of the game. The quarter ended 55-52 to Wolves.

The final quarter opened with a basket for Warriors, before the referees called 5 quick fouls against the Wolves, with 4 minutes played Wolves held a one point advantage but were now in foul trouble. With Warriors now regularly at the charity stripe it was no surprise when they retook the lead. Another time out was called by Wolves as coach Sarwar needed to regroup the team and give the 5 players on court a 60 second breather. On the restart a basket from Broughton gave Wolves the lead before Dickson was fouled as he made a lay-up and duly converted his and 1. With 41 seconds remaining Wolves had opened up a 4 point lead. Richardson was fouled as Warriors desperately tried to regain procession but he showed great composure and sank both his free throws. A final basket from Warriors with 12 seconds to go reduced the gap to 4 before Arlott scored a two on the buzzer to give Wolves a 74-68 victory.

Wolves now hold a 7 point lead at the top of the U18 Midland Conference with a 9 and 0 record.

Next week Wolves have a week off before entertaining Birmingham A’s at home on 15th December

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